Canon R6 Mark III Review Using the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM Lens with Sample Photos | Is it Worth the Cost & Hype?

(By using the affiliate links and/or codes in this blog post, you help support Myles Katherine Photography. I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase through these links. Thank you for your support!)

I’m SO excited to review this camera. I’ve been keeping an eye on the R5 and R6 lines by Canon for a while now. The Canon R6 Mark III was just released in November 2025 and I had the opportunity to try it out recently. And I’m not kidding when I say, this is my current dream camera. It was everything I was hoping for and is now on my list as the camera I plan to purchase this year to replace my EOS R. I’ve had the Canon EOS R, which was Canon’s very first mirrorless camera, since 2020 (I have a full blog post about this camera here). I’ve been using it as my secondary camera at photo shoots and weddings, with the Canon 5D Mark IV as my main camera. There are a lot of things about the EOS R that just made it unreliable to use as my main camera, but it had some redeeming qualities that made me still kept it in my back pocket. Mainly, the photos were incredibly sharp and it had amazing low-light functionality. But it felt fragile in my hand, the controls didn’t feel intuitive, and there were features that kept activating when I didn’t want them to. I didn’t have time to fumble around with a camera at a wedding, so the 5D Mark IV was my go-to. After testing the Canon R6 Mark III recently though, I finally feel like there’s a Canon camera that edges out my 5D Mark IV. I can say without a doubt that when I do buy this camera, it’s going to be my main camera, with the 5D Mark IV as my backup. That’s kind of crazy to say, because for years the 5D Mark IV was considered top of the line in it’s price range for professional photographers. I’m also just ready for something more modern that competes with everything else out there by other brands.

STANDOUT FEATURES OF THE R6 MARK III

As the third iteration of the R6 cameras from Canon, they have definitely worked out some of the kinks. Canon hasn’t always been able to keep up with some of the other main camera brands when it comes to autofocus and video specifically. Canon made sense for photographers, but not really videographers. I think that is finally shifting though because the autofocus and image stabilization on the R6 Mark III is the best I’ve experienced so far with a Canon camera. I’ve somehow never owned a digital camera with image stabilization and I already miss it. Once you have image stabilization, you just can’t go back. All of my cameras and lenses feel outdated now, which is a bummer, but it’s also giving me the drive and inspiration to get rid of some old gear and spring for the R6 Mark III. While it’s not the most affordable camera in the world, you get a LOT for the price. To me, yes, it’s pricey, but if you’re a professional photographer, you’ll make back that money tenfold. It’s currently priced at $2799, but it sort of hovers in that mid-range of not-affordable but not-absurdly-expensive. It’s approachable to aspiring and professional photographers, but maybe not to the average consumer. If you’re hoping to grow your business or start your business, the R6 Mark III will bring a professionality to your work that can catapult you above other photographers who maybe aren’t willing to invest that much into their gear. But I’m telling you, your gear is the most important part of your business.

Other standout features include a 32.5 MP sensor (much better than the R6 Mark II’s 24 MP sensor), up to 7K video at 60 fps (insane!), super fast continuous shooting up to 40 fps (great for sports and wildlife photography), a super sturdy weather sealed body, dual card slots, a multiple exposure option, an articulating screen (great for vloggers and video), and so many other things. From the R6 Mark II, the image stabilization was improved upon (from about 8 IBIS stops to 8.5 stops, along with some other stabilization improvements), the battery life was improved (the R6 Mark III uses a new style of battery, the LP-E6P) and a different secondary card slot that uses a CF express Type B card which is faster in terms of write speed, especially for large RAW files and those 7K video files. It still has a UHS-II SD card slot though too, so don’t worry!

For me though, the image stabillization, 7K video and autofocus are what excite me most because I’ve never had a camera with such amazing video quality AND picture quality. What I love most about Canon is the stunning photo capabilities and natural beauty of the images. But I’ve always had to sacrifice on video functionality, which has made me feel like I could only ever be a “photographer” and never a true videographer. But the R6 Mark III would really expand my capabilities as a photographer/videographer hybrid shooter, which means more work for my business.

IMAGE QUALITY

Obviously, the 32.5 MP sensor makes a huge difference, especially if you’re looking for high quality images for your clients. This means it captures more detail and allows you to create larger prints that are still super sharp. It also gives you the ability to make tighter crops, so if you’re a sports or wildlife photographer, this could be an important feature. For me though, I just want the most beautiful images with the sharpest detail and highest quality. The R6 Mark III is such a huge jump from the previous versions of the R6 and a small jump for me from my EOS R. I think the reason I loved the images from my EOS R so much is because the 30.3 MP resolution created such sharp and detailed images no matter what lens I threw on there. It never made sense for me to go with the previous versions of the R6 because the MP were 20.1 MP with the first version of the camera and 24.2 MP with the R6 Mark II. It would have been a step down photography-wise, even if they were technically better video-wise. Going through the photos from my time with the R6 Mark III, the photos reminded me of a blend of my 5D Mark IV and my EOS R. They have a slight mirrorless look to them, which are super sharp but can sometimes come across more “digital”, but they still had those lovely color tones and natural beauty that Canon is known for. I’ve tried quite a few digital camera brands over the years, and I still find Canon photos to be the most beautiful right out of the box.

(By using the affiliate links and/or codes in this blog post it supports Myles Katherine Photography. We may get a small kick back by you doing so.)

WOULD I BUY THE CANON R6 MARK III?

Ohhh yes, and I plan to! It’s the camera on my list for the year. I just need to sell a bit of gear first! But it’s the camera I’ve been waiting for. The R5 line was always a bit too expensive and the R6 line didn’t make the cut for me until now. After using the R6 Mark III for a few weeks, it’s been hard going back to my EOS R and 5D Mark IV because they don’t have image stabilization and the video quality doesn’t compete at all. I’m anxiously awaiting the day the Canon R6 Mark III arrives on my doorstep. I also only have one RF lens at the moment, so I’m also considering lenses at the moment. For the images in this post, I used the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM lens and loved it. It’s much more affordable than some of Canon’s fancier RF zoom lenses. I always use a zoom lens as my main lens, and I currently shoot with the Canon 28-70 f/2 USM lens. It’s a HUGE lens, but it’s incredible. It’s a bit too big for the EOS R though, which is a pretty small camera, but I think it would work with the R6 Mark III, which has a larger, sturdier body. You can read more about that lens and see sample photos here!

IS THE CANON R6 MARK III WORTH THE HYPE AND COST?

I think so! While I was only shooting with the R6 Mark III for a few weeks, I loved every second of it. I’m so ready to upgrade from my EOS R and I finally feel like the camera that I need is here, waiting for me. Do I think it’s a little overpriced? Maybe? But not really? You’re getting SO much for the price. Years ago, a camera like this would have cost $5000-7000. Or more! Especially with the incredible autofocus and 7K video. You’re getting some truly amazing features and the possibilities are unlimited. You could be a professional photographer OR videographer with this camera and it really is a true hybrid. I’ve been waiting for this camera to come out and it lived up to my hype.

WOULD I RECOMMEND THE CANON 28-70MM F/2.8 IS STM LENS TO USE WITH THE R6 MARK III?

I had such a blast with the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM lens. It’s amazingly small and lightweight, which is something I’m always looking for in a camera set-up. I’m honestly so sick and tired of giant digital camera set-ups that weigh a million pounds. I can hardly wait for the day that point-and-shoot cameras can compete with the pro cameras out there, and honestly, I think we’re just about to that day! When I was walking around with the R6 Mark III and the 28-70mm f/2.8, it didn’t feel like I was carrying around a $4000 camera set-up. And to me, this is a good thing. My body didn’t hate me the next day, I didn’t feel like a target, I didn’t feel like people were staring at me, and it just felt like the perfect travel camera. Yet it still looks large and professional enough to be shoot a wedding without your clients wondering how in the world you’re getting good photos with such a tiny camera. I even compared my photos that I took with my super fancy Canon 28-70mm f/2 USM lens and there wasn’t a huge difference. The main thing you’re getting with the f/2 lens is that extra wide aperture that can really bring a zing to portraits and adds an extra surreality to your photos if you’re shooting wide open. I love lenses with a crazy wide aperture because I feel that they allow me to be more creative and stand out from other photographers. It just gives me a little something extra.

I haven’t decided yet if this is the lens for me, but it competes with the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L II lens that I used to shoot with, but weighs half as much. I do love my Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.0, I just wish it wasn’t so dang HUGE and HEAVY. But the photos are stunning and make it all worth it to me. The RF 28-70mm f/2.8 would be a perfect backup for the f/2 lens though and would be my choice to use when I’m traveling or just spending a day with family or walking around town. The f/2 lens is just too large and heavy to use on a daily basis. For the price, the RF 28-70mm f/2.8 is a great deal that I feel might be underpriced. Especially considering how expensive the 24-70mm f/2.8 L II lens is and I find the images comparable. But the RF lenses are known for being sharp and amazing, and they definitely live up to it. It’s obvious that Canon is fading out the EF lenses, so it’s probably time for me to invest in another RF lens and the 28-70mm f/2.8 might end up being the one that makes the most sense for me. We’ll see!

WHERE TO BUY

I always recommend B&H Photo because they have standard, competitive prices, but with crazy fast shipping and excellent customer service!


CANON R6 MARK III

B&H Photo

CANON RF 28-70MM F/2.8 IS STM LENS

B&H Photo

I hope this post helps you decide if the Canon R6 Mark III is for you! It’s definitely the camera for me. I’ve included a ton of sample photos below. There are no filters on these images, but I have made minor adjustments to exposures, shadows, highlights, and color temperature to fit my personal style. There is no sharpness or clarity enhancements, curve adjustments, or color grading. If you have more specific questions about the editing, please feel free to ask!

If you found this post helpful in any way, I’d love it if you considered signing up for my Patreon! For as little as $1 a month, you’ll get early access to all of my YouTube videos, plus tons of photos that I don’t post anywhere else. Depending on which tier you choose, you could also receive seasonal prints and/or discounts! I always use all of the proceeds towards cameras, film & processing.

If you have any questions, I’m always happy to help! You can contact me here, or leave a comment below! Thanks so much for stopping by! You can also check out my B&H Photo storefront & Amazon Storefront for more camera/film recommendations. :) Have a magical day!

<3 Myles Katherine

The Best Black Friday & Cyber Weekend Deals for Photographers & Videographers | Cameras, Computers & Gear!

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are actually two of my favorite days of the year. And not necessarily because of the shoppings deals, but because it’s typically the first weekend I get to relax after the busy fall photography season and Thanksgiving holiday stress. I plan to sit on the couch sipping hot chocolate, watching a holiday movie and browsing online for deals on items that I needed to buy for my business anyway. I love saving money any way that I can, so if there’s a camera or lens that I’ve been eyeing for a while, I always hold off until Cyber Weekend. There are a ton of incredible deals on Amazon & B&H Photo this year, so I figured I’d share all of the products I’ve been eyeing over the last few months. And if you’re looking for gift ideas for the photographer or videographer in your life, this may spark a few ideas for you!

(By using the affiliate links and/or codes in this blog post, you help support Myles Katherine Photography. I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase through these links. Thank you for your support!)

1. SONY A7 IV MIRRORLESS CAMERA

I recently had the opportunity to try out this camera (you can read my full blog post about it here) and I immediately missed it when it wasn’t in my possession anymore. The thing I love about Sony cameras is how small and compact they are, including the lenses. They are also perfect for photographer/videographer hybrid shooters. As someone who considers themselves a photographer, and not necessarily a videographer, the incredible autofocus of the Sony A7 IV made video creation SO EASY. I found myself wondering if maybe I could be a videographer and that maybe it isn’t quite as intimidating as I’ve been letting myself believe. It also has dual card slots, in-body image stabilization, 4K video up to 60 fps, live streaming functionality, a 33 MP full-frame sensor, and super fun color profiles you can experiment with. It’s majorly on sale this year through B&H Photo for $1998. It’s usually $2698! There’s also a bundle deal that includes a 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom lens for only $2198. Not to mention, it comes with a backpack, a memory card, and an extra battery! I’ve seriously been considering this deal for myself… We’ll see if I finally take the leap into the Sony world! If you’re on the hunt for something more like a point-and-shoot/vlog camera that is a bit more affordable, the Sony ZV-1F is $100 off on Amazon too!

WHERE TO BUY

SONY A7 IV

B&H Photo

SONY ZV-1F

Amazon

2. GO PRO HERO 13 CREATOR KIT

I always bring a Go Pro with me on my travels because they are SO super small and inconspicuous. They are way easier than using a giant video camera and are great for all weather conditions. They are quick to turn on so you never miss a moment, which has come in handy more times than I can count. I’ve used them for my YouTube channel, Cameras & Cats, for years. I have the Go Pro Hero 9 and I’m so ready for an upgrade. The Go Pro Hero 13 has up to 5.3K at 60 fps (insane!), 27 MP still photos, HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization, and of course, a waterproof and rugged body for travel and action videos. Amazon is offering a Creator Kit, which includes everything you need for on-the-go content creation. I’m just absolutely amazed by what these tiny little cameras can do. I still remember my first Go Pro, and the first thing I said when I opened the box was, “It’s so tiny!!” As someone who is used to dragging giant DSLR cameras around with me, it’s always a nice break when I get to spend a day out and about with just my Go Pro.

WHERE TO BUY

Amazon

B&H Photo

3. APPLE AIRPODS MAX WIRELESS OVER-EAR HEADPHONES

I just recently heard about the Apple Airpods Max headphones, and I need them ASAP. I love my AirPods, but I lose them constantly. My husband upgraded to the AirPods Pro Max with noise cancellation and I’ve been jealous ever since. The noise cancellation is a game-changer. You can experience music without the outside world interfering, and they are perfect for drowning out the airplane noises when you’re flying. Honestly, I much prefer over-ear headphones than in-ear Airpods, because I find my ears start to hurt after a little while. The Apple AirPods headphones come in a bunch of cute colors too. I kind of love the light purple ones personally! They are $120 off on Amazon for Black Friday/Cyber Monday. You can find them here!

WHERE TO BUY

Amazon

4. APPLE IPAD 11-INCH WITH A16 CHIP

Not even joking, the Ipad I use is from 2013. I’ve been considering upgrading for a LONG time. For me, I actually use my iPad as a third screen when I’m working/editing photos. I haven’t upgraded yet because I don’t actually store any files on it, but it has to stay plugged in at all times because the battery is shot. So yes, it’s time for a new iPad for me, and I’m definitely floating the idea of this 11-inch iPad because it’s $75 off, which means it’s only $274. It’s probably about time to move on to a new iPad for me…

WHERE TO BUY

Amazon

5. WD 14TB DESKTOP EXTERNAL HARD DRIVE

It’s kind of a bummer that every year I have to spend money on a new external hard drive because I fill them so quickly. But what’s not a bummer, is that they tend to go down in price every year. Somehow, you can get this 14 TB WD Hard drive for $169 at B&H Photo. 14 TB!!!! Umm, I’ll definitely be buying this, no questions asked. AND it’s USB 3.2 which means it’s super fast and that is SO important for photographers and videographers while editing. There’s also a Seagate 28 TB USB 3.0 External Hard Drive that’s $100 off too! So it depends on your budget and how much space you think you need, but I’ve had great experiences with both WD and Seagate drives.

WHERE TO BUY

WD 14 TB USB 3.2 EXTERNAL HARD DRIVE

B&H Photo

SEAGATE 28 TB USB 3.0 EXTERNAL HARD DRIVE

B&H Photo

6. SIGMA 24-70MM F/2.8 DG DN II ART LENS (SONY E)

When I was testing out the Sony A7 IV I mentioned above, I was using the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 Art Lens. It’s super small and light for a 28-70mm zoom lens, yet it still holds up to lenses like the Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 L II lens. You can check out tons of sample photos I took with the Sigma f/2.8 lens here. I always recommend zoom lenses, especially if you’re just starting out and you want ONE lens that is multi-purpose and can handle any sort of lighting scenario. The fact that it is f/2.8 means it’s great for low light, especially if you’re shooting indoor events or weddings. I used the Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 L lens as my main lens for over a decade. I just recently upgraded to the Canon RF 28-70 f/2.0, which is an INCREDIBLE lens (you can read a full review of it here), but is HUGE and weighs a million pounds. This Sigma zoom lens is just so light and easy to work with, which is a major factor for me. I’m not even lying, the Canon RF lens I just mentioned is so gigantic, I can barely hold it up for an extended period of time. If you’re wanting to get into professional photography and/or videography, Sony is really the way to go if you’re a small person or just want lightweight but high performance gear. However, if you are a Canon shooter, I highly recommend the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 which is $300 off on B&H Photo for Black Friday/Cyber Weekend too!

WHERE TO BUY

SIGMA 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II ART LENS

B&H Photo

CANON RF 24-70MM F/2.8 LENS

B&H Photo

7. FUJIFILM INSTAX MINI LINK 2 SMARTPHONE PRINTER BUNDLE

I already have an Instax Square printer that I use all the time to print photos out for my wedding clients, but I want the Instax Mini printer too! It’s only $80 on Amazon for Black Friday which is such a good deal. I use my Instax Square printer ALL THE TIME. You can literally print any photo you want from your phone and turn it into a little polaroid. It’s so much fun and is a great way to share photos with family and friends. No one has time to send photos to Walgreens anymore and go pick them up, so just save yourself the hassle and enjoy printing them yourself into adorable little prints you can hang on your fridge. :)

WHERE TO BUY

Amazon

8. CANON EOS R6 MARK II

Ok, so if we’re talking about the one thing I really, really, really want this year, it’s the Canon R6 Mark II. I currently shoot with the Canon EOS R as my main mirrorless camera, and I love it, but there are a few things it’s missing that I could seriously benefit from. The R6 Mark II has dual card slots, in-body image stabilization and 4K video up to 60 fps. It also has better battery life and a more refined grip and body. And who knows, maybe I’ll really go for it and just upgrade to the Canon EOS R5 Mark II. That’s the dream, though it is significantly more expensive. The benefits with the R5 Mark II are higher resolution images, up to 8K video, more advanced autofocus, and a more pro-level photography game. The good news is that they are both on sale this year, with the R6 Mark II on sale for $1999 ($300 off) and the R5 Mark II at $3899 ($500 off)!!!

WHERE TO BUY

CANON EOS R6 MARK II

B&H Photo

Amazon

CANON EOS R5 MARK II

B&H Photo

9. APPLE 2025 MACBOOK AIR 15-INCH LAPTOP WITH M4 CHIP

Is it even Black Friday without a good Macbook deal? If you’re looking for a lightweight travel laptop that’s super fast with lots of storage, the 256 GB 15-inch Macbook Air is on sale for $949 on Amazon. In today’s world, I feel like getting a high-performing laptop under $1000 is kind of a miracle, so I’d take advantage of this deal while you can if you’re on the hunt for a Macbook Air. If you’re looking for a Macbook Pro, B&H Photo has a pretty sweet deal going on with the Macbook Pro 14-inch M4 at $1749.

WHERE TO BUY

Amazon

10. POLAROID NOW GENERATION 3 INSTANT CAMERA

I recently received a Polaroid Now and I absolutely love it. I’m used to using vintage Polaroid cameras but now that I have a newer version that’s just as fun, I can safely store my vintage cameras away so they don’t get damaged at photo shoots. The Polaroid Now camera can take Polaroid i-Type or 600 film, which is nice because i-Type film is more affordable than 600 film. It comes in tons of different colors and is super cute. Not to mention, it’s only $100 this year on B&H Photo, which is truly the most perfect gift for any photographer. Polaroid cameras are special and will immediately make the holidays more fun for everyone. Just take turns passing the camera around and watch the photos come to life! I’m obsessed with Polaroid photos. I can’t help it! Oh, and don’t forget to pick up some film!

WHERE TO BUY

POLAROID NOW GENERATION 3 INSTANT CAMERA

B&H Photo

Amazon

I-TYPE FILM

B&H Photo

Amazon

HONORABLE MENTIONS

SanDisk 2TB Portable SSD on Amazon for $179.99

Canon EOS R100 with RF 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 Lens Kit on Amazon for $499

DJI RS 4 Gimbal Stabilizer on B&H Photo for $459

Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Camera on B&H Photo for $83.95

ONA (The Clifton) Leather Camera Backpack on B&H Photo for $374.25

I hope this guide helped you comb through some of the deals going on this year! The holidays are always so crazy and stressful, but make sure to take some time for yourself and maybe even buy yourself a little something. We all work so hard ALL year long, and then we have to spend our money buying presents for everyone else?! Just remember to reward yourself in some way too. Whether that’s just spending a day on the couch snuggling with your pets, or finally sorting through some old photographs on your hard drive. For me, January/February is my time to slow down and recuperate from the long year, so I’ve got my eye on that prize. :)

Thanks so much for stopping by! Check out my full 2025 Gift Guide for more ideas here! Or you can see lots more 2025 Cyber Weekend camera & film recommendations on my Amazon Storefront or B&H Storefront. Happy Holidays!

<3 Myles Katherine